Lost in Translation? "Bildung" between Ideological Debate and Pragmatism: A Response to Julia Campos

Overview & Synopsis

The term "Bildung" is notoriously difficult to translate. Though it is often translated as "education," this does not entirely convey its meaning nor entirely explain its use in a myriad compounds such as "Bildungssprache" (language of/for education), "Bildungsweg" (path to education), "Allgemeinbildung" (general education/knowledge expectations), Ausbildung (education for professional purposes), "Halbbildung" (semi education). Richard Rorty (2009) attempted to transfer this term into English more fittingly by coining the term "edification" as a portmanteau of education and qualification; other translators have focused on its meaning as a formative process (for an individual's personality).